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IDC’s international team of analysts looked at key markets across 9 regions including Europe, Asia/Pacific and the U.S.

In the trifecta of 3D printing, hardware will constitute $6.9 billion, materials $6.7 billion, and software will experience a slower growth than the rest of the market.

Led by The Big Three: Automotive, Aerospace and Medicine

Of the 7+ industries analyzed Discrete Manufacturing, i.e. making distinct items such as cars, planes and toys, is expected to come out on top of spending. Second, is 3D printing in healthcare, with an estimated total spend of nearly $1.3 billion in 2018.

Healthcare is also expected to experience the fastest growth, turning an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.4%. 3D printing/bioprinting solutions for tissue, organ and bone are cited as leading the spend.

Chart showing top spends by application as forecasted by IDC. Image via IDC

On-demand services

Marianne D’Aquila, research manager, Customer Insights and Analysis at IDC comments, “3D printing solutions have moved well beyond prototyping, to become prevalent within and across multiple industries.”

As such 3D printing services, offered by specialist 3D printing bureaus and 3D printer manufacturers, are expected to reach an annual spend of £5.5 billion by 2021, with a focus on on-demand part production and supply-chain system integration.

D’Aquila continues, “Parts for new products, aftermarket parts, dental objects, and medical support objects will continue to see significant growth opportunities over the next five years as 3D printing goes more mainstream.”

“The healthcare industry is also poised to double its share of spend through 2021 as the benefits of cost-effective customized printing continue to be realized.”

“Even though there are amazing innovations nearly every day in the way 3D printers are used in key industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical,” concludes Tim Greene, research director, Hardcopy Peripherals and 3D Printing,

“we believe that we’re still just scratching the surface of the potential for 3D printing as an enabler of digital transformation.”

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Beau Jackson is Senior Journalist at 3D Printing Industry. With a longstanding commitment to the site's content, she is credited with producing more articles than any other author in its history. Well-versed in the latest 3D printing research and legal/regulatory challenges, her repertoire spans aerospace, automotive, maritime, medical and creative industries. She is a keen speaker and active representative of the company at key additive manufacturing events.